‘Significant’ flu season expected

The West could be hit hard this winter

A SIGNIFICANT rise in flu cases is expected around the city and county over the coming months after a relatively inactive two flu seasons.

Public health practitioners in Galway are advising the public, particularly older people and those with existing health conditions, to avail of the flu vaccine which is now being offered by GPs and at many pharmacies.

Dr Kathleen McDonnell, Specialist Registrar in Public Health, HSE West, told The Tuam Herald that there was very little flu circulating during the pandemic due to lockdowns and people taking added hygiene measures such as wearing masks and sanitising. Now that society has fully re-opened, the number of people contracting the flu this winter is expected to be much higher.

“We are already seeing flu cases, so it is present, and we do anticipate a significant flu season this year. The vaccine is more important this year because society is back to normal,” Dr McDonnell explained…

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